Photography Tech Tip : Optical filters

This is one in a series of 'Tech Tip' articles intended as a guide to digital camera technology and terminology. Its aim is to demystify some of the language used on this site to allow you to make more informed decisions when considering purchasing a new digital camera.

OPTICAL FILTERS
One of the most common accessories sold with our digital SLR cameras are optical filters. We supply a number of different types of filter, and there uses often vary. This guide is designed to explain what the different types of filters offer and what they might cost.

UV Filters
As you'd expect, UV filters prevent UV or ultra-violet light from entering the lens. When excessive UV light is present it can appear as a blue-ish tinge to your shots. Whilst this is rarely a serious problem, the effect increases with altitude, so if you're planning a trip to the mountains (big mountains > 3000m or so), you'd be well advised to pack a UV filter, just in case.

Polarizing Filters (aka Circular Polarizers)
Polarizing filters are used to reduce glare from bright reflective surfaces such as water and glass that can often result in white-outs (large areas of nothing but white in your photos). Polarized light also displays better contrast ratios.

There are literally hundreds of different filters available and each comes in a range of sizes to fit almost any lens. The most common types (UV filters and circular polarizing filters) are available in our Hoya filters section. If you'd like information on any other filters, please send us an email.